Inspired by the world-famous Marathon du Médoc, the wineries of the South Okanagan have abandoned convention to create a race that promotes fun, fitness and fine living in the South Okanagan, one of the most beautiful wine growing regions in Canada. The 17.1 km course will wind its way along the Golden Mile and across the valley to the Black Sage Bench. As marathoners make their way past rolling hills and vineyards, they can sample the region’s fine wines and cuisine at seven winery stops on the route. The response to this event has already been outstanding, with well over 100 runners registered. Space is limited to only 250 participants, so we don’t recommend waiting. Tickets are $55.00 per entrant, visit www.sowasite.com to register.
There won’t be a dress code for this marathon, but runners are encouraged to show up in their most outlandish. A parade of costumes will start the day’s festivities at 8:00 in the morning, with prizes for best-dressed individuals and teams to be awarded after the race. An awards ceremony and lunch will take place at the finish line, where prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female runners in each age group. Participants and spectators can enjoy a “down home” style buffet and superb South Okanagan wines in a gorgeous vineyard setting. Watermark Beach Resort is offering special room rates of $109 per night for marathoners May 28-30. Call 888-755-3480 to book. Please mention the Half-Corked Marathon.
Pre-Marathon Pasta Party
No marathon would be complete without carbo-loading. On May 29 at 6:00pm, the South Okanagan wineries will host a pre-marathon Pasta Party at Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos. This festive evening will feature live music, wine tastings, and, of course, gourmet pastas and salads. Tickets- $40.00 – visit www.sowasite.com to purchase tickets.
About the South Okanagan Winery Association
The wineries of SOWA formed their association based on a unified vision of promoting the unique emerging identity of the region south of McIntyre Bluff. For all of them, this terroir is the source of the premium wine-growing region in Canada. The area is geographically bounded and sculpted by two north-south mountain ranges and hallmarked in the northern extremity by the dramatic cliffs of McIntyre Bluff.
